MADISONVILLE, Ky. (11/25/13) — The Thanksgiving Holiday is typically one of the busiest as well as one of the deadliest holidays of the year. In an effort to save lives and reduce injury-related crashes, the Kentucky State Police will be out in force. The official Thanksgiving Holiday begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.

Statewide, during the 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday period, there were 1,390 motor vehicle crashes on Kentucky roadways including seven fatalities. There were no fatalities reported in the Post 2 District during the 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday period.

KSP troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will concentrate their holiday enforcement efforts on high traffic areas such as interstates and parkways, along with high crash locations. They will be observing for individuals exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors, such as, speeding, reckless driving, and driving impaired.

This enforcement period will be highlighted by troopers and officers aggressively targeting those people who choose not to wear seatbelts or use child safety restraints.

Motorists around the Post 2 District can expect to see traffic safety checkpoints at pre-approved locations. The KSP utilizes traffic safety checkpoints to promote safety for motorists and to provide a deterrent for those who violate laws contained in the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

The intent of a traffic safety checkpoint is to provide a highly visible, public safety service focusing on vehicular equipment deficiencies, confirming appropriate registration and insurance of vehicles, and the valid licensing of drivers. Violations of law or other public safety issues that arise shall be addressed.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers may remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel, and license number if possible.

The troopers and staff at the KSP Post 2 Madisonville wish everyone a safe Thanksgiving Holiday.